Monday, November 22, 2010

Russia seeking $4 billion stolen during ESPO pipeline construction

MOSCOW - Russia is reportedly checking audit documents that suggest at least $4 billion in state funds was stolen during construction of the East Siberia-Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil pipeline.

Moscow blogger Alexei Navalny claims he has obtained documents that reveal the theft was uncovered in audits dating to 2007 of ESPO construction expenditures.

Russia's Audit Chamber insists no formal investigation is under way.

Both the government and pipeline operator Transneft have refused to comment on the allegations. Transneft said it does not intend to respond to the "personal records of third parties."

Navalny is known in Russia for advocating the rights of minority shareholders of big companies.

The publication of the pipeline documents dating back to 2007 has led to a shocked response in Russia.

No comments:

Post a Comment